Days after United States President Donald J. Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” over alleged ...
Days after United States President Donald J. Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” over alleged persecution of Christians, leading opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have maintained an unusual silence — a development that has triggered waves of criticism and speculation across Nigeria’s political and media circles.
President Trump’s controversial declaration has drawn widespread backlash from religious, political, and civic leaders in Nigeria, who described the move as “misleading, divisive, and dangerous.” The U.S. President accused Nigerian authorities of “turning a blind eye” to Christian killings — a claim many observers say oversimplifies the nation’s complex security crisis and risks inflaming religious tensions.
Among the first to react was the Islamic movement in Nigeria, which strongly rejected Trump’s statement, calling it “a continuation of Western propaganda designed to justify interference in African affairs.” The Movement argued that both Muslims and Christians have been victims of insecurity, terrorism, and government repression, stressing that Nigeria’s problem is political and moral — not religious.
Similarly, former Kano State Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso condemned Trump’s decision, urging the U.S. to assist Nigeria with cutting-edge technology and intelligence support instead of making pronouncements that could polarize the nation. He also advised the Nigerian government to strengthen its diplomatic engagement with Washington and defend the country’s image on the international stage.
Despite these strong reactions, both Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Peter Obi of the Labour Party have yet to make public statements on the development — a silence that has left many Nigerians wondering why two of the country’s most prominent opposition leaders have chosen to stay quiet at a time when national unity and foreign perception are under intense scrutiny.
Political analysts suggest that the silence could be strategic, as both men might be avoiding a diplomatic row with Washington. Others, however, view it as a missed opportunity for patriotic leadership, especially as figures like Kwankwaso and the Islamic movement have already spoken out in defense of Nigeria’s sovereignty and interfaith harmony.
For now, the country watches closely as the debate over Trump’s designation intensifies — and waits to see whether Atiku and Obi will break their silence or let the political storm blow over.
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